AN Ofsted report has revealed that Newent Community School and Sixth Form Centre has turned around their 'inadequate' rating to 'good' in just 12 months.

Staff was over the moon at the end of January when lead inspector, Michael Smith announced he was satisfied the school had done enough to lift themselves out of special measures. However they only received their rating last week.

The school was judged 'good' in all four Ofsted judgement categories describing the "relationships between staff and students as excellent" and noting that "students say they feel safe and well cared for" as well as making "good progress".

The Ofsted report praises headteacher, Kirsten Harrison, as "instrumental" in the school's rapid improvement, citing her "attention to detail and determination that nothing but the best is acceptable for the students in the school" as key to improving the quality of teaching and achievement at the school.

The inspectors praised specifically the "highly effective" teaching of students who arrive at the school in Year Seven so they are supported to "make rapid progress" and the attitudes of students in lessons as "good and often excellent". It went on further to praise the "standards of art and drama as outstanding" which "do much to enhance students' cultural awareness and spiritual development."

Having addressed all the areas of weakness from the original Ofsted inspection, the report goes on to show that the school has addressed all the areas of concern: "The quality of marking is good", "most able students respond well to the challenge in lessons to make good progress" and "additional support for less able students and those with special educational needs means now all students make good progress."

Headteacher Kirsten Harrison said she was delighted with the outcome as it recognised the great work the school had done over the last 12 months.

She said: "The school now has clear purpose and ambition and we will build on the work of the last year to go from strength to strength."